ASU dominated the 2026 Big 12 West Championships, sweeping both the men's and women's titles. The Sun Devils' success was led by junior swimmer Ilya Kharun, who made a significant impact on the all-time rankings. Kharun's performance in the medley relays was particularly impressive, as he split 19.12 and 43.16, tying his own record and securing his place in the top 10 all-time relay splits for the men's 50 fly and 100 fly events. This achievement is even more remarkable considering the competition from other top swimmers like Josh Liendo and Leon Marchand.
The men's team also excelled in other events, with Andy Dobrzanski winning the 100 and 200 breaststroke events, setting new personal best times. Mattia Mauri also set a personal best in the 500 free, showcasing the team's depth and talent. The women's team, led by Albane Cachot, won the meet, taking the top spot in two of the four relays. Cachot's contributions were significant, as she split 47.91 on the freestyle leg of the 400 medley and 22.15 as the anchor on the 200 freestyle relay. She also won the 200 free and 100 free events, setting personal best times.
The championship was a testament to ASU's swimming prowess, with the team's success extending beyond the individual achievements of its swimmers. The Sun Devils' performance will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they prepare for the upcoming Big 12 Championships, where they will look to defend their titles and continue their winning streak.
